Tweet
"America can boast of some novelties in the way of amusements never seen in Europe--floating theaters and circuses, propelled by steam, going from town to town on the great Western rivers, and carrying not only stage, auditorium, scenery, etc., but lodging and accommodations for the company, and, in the case of circuses, stabling and forage for the horses. The bills are posted weeks in advance. On the appointed day the floating theater comes in sight, flags flying, band playing, or a steam organ filling the whole region with its obstreperous harmonies."
From Thomas Low Nichols' book "Forty Years of American Life," originally published in 1864. This excerpt was taken from the 2nd edition of 1874, and from the chapter entitled "Recreations and Amusements."
What imagery; I wonder if soldiers and civilians in the western theater would have certainly been familiar with such sights and sounds?
Nic Ellis
From Thomas Low Nichols' book "Forty Years of American Life," originally published in 1864. This excerpt was taken from the 2nd edition of 1874, and from the chapter entitled "Recreations and Amusements."
What imagery; I wonder if soldiers and civilians in the western theater would have certainly been familiar with such sights and sounds?
Nic Ellis